Sport
Cricket squad will push hard for Maccabiah medal
John Maunders believes the Team Maccabi GB Open Cricket squad can fulfil their potential at the Maccabiah Games.
June 27, 2017 13:23
John Maunders believes the Team Maccabi GB Open Cricket squad can fulfil their potential at the Maccabiah Games.
June 27, 2017 13:23Former County cricketer Maunders has been working with the squad since January, as part of a management set-up alongside Danny Caro and captain Adam Brand.
The trio are targeting success in Israel, with a squad featuring a combination of youth and experience.
Upon the completion of their preparations for the competition in Israel, Maunders, who has played for Essex, Leicester, Middlesex and England under-19’s, says he has encouraged the players to be "keep working hard and trust each other" to achieve their goals.
The group started training at the MCC Academy at Lord’s before moving outdoor to Rowley Lane.
Ahead of his fifth Maccabiah, Brand said: “There are fewer greater honours than leading your country into the Games and we are incredibly excited by the challenges that lie ahead."
MGB secured bronze in Open Cricket four years ago and will be looking to impress once again. The squad features players from the Stanmore in the Middlesex Premier League cricket, Totteridge, Radlett and London Maccabi Vale.
“The top four teams were well-matched in 2013, so consistency of performance will be key," said Caro.
"John has made a big impression on the group. His experience and knowledge of the game will benefit every player. He shows great attention to detail and is a valuable member of this squad.
"We believe he can help squeeze that extra 10 per cent out of every player which could prove vital.”
Maunders worked with the GB Juniors in 2013 and he believes the Open squad are well prepared for the challenge ahead.
He said: “The conditions in Israel are fairly unique in cricketing terms – the wickets and the pitches are testing, but this is a versatile group whom I’m confident will adapt.
"The top four teams were well-matched in 2013, so consistency of performance will be key.
SQUAD: Danny Caro, Adam Brand (capt), Steven Allweis, Mark Bott, Simeon Cohen, Jonathan Gould, Ben Kohler, Benjamin Lederman, Neil Lederman, Hilton Nathanson, Steven Reingold, Marc Reingold, Grant Reingold, Rafi Saville. Coach: John Maunders